Usually depression in the cold and fall months (seasonal affective disorders) has been linked to less energy from the Sun, which lowers life energy overall, and special efforts are needed to keep the body warm and running. Anti-depressant drugs are usually prescribed to supply the chemicals that can correct the brain-chemistry gone wrong. Yet, they can at best be a short-term measure to be used as crutches. The search is on for better and lasting alternatives. yoga is one such system with demonstrated capability in handling depression.
After all, Yoga’s very purpose is to control the mind: the definition given by sage Patanjali is ‘Yogah Chitti Vritti Nirodhah’, which means ‘Yoga is that which stops the modifications of the mind’. yoga gurus assure that the eight-limbed path or Ashtanga yoga, practised regularly by healthy individuals, normally prevents mental illnesses from arising in the first place.
Breathing practices or Pranayamas help, again, by energising the brain and nervous system. Kapalabhati pranayama quickly energises the system, cleanses it of toxins, and induces activity by activating the sympathetic nervous system. Diaphragmatic breathing and Bhramari (Bee breath) activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body to relax after stress.
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